zero Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 The idea of using a GM 4.3 V6 has been brought up here several times - in the context of swapping into a Toyota. Also the Astrovans themselves (with the 4.3s) and also the Provan Astro Tiger RVs - especially with the pop-tops. Here are a few road-tests. The AWD Astrovan tested empty at a little over 17 MPG - same mileage my 1995 Astro AWD got. The Provan Tiger RV 2WD with the pop-top roof got 15.8 MPG which is pretty good. Beats most Toyotas, has more power, and a 27 gallon gas tank too. I'd love to have one but never found a good buy on one yet. The few that I've found were the higher fixed-roof versions that have more wind-resistance and get lesser fuel mileage. 4.3 is an "old school" engine - more-or-less based on the 265 V8 that came out in 1955. A few modern aspects added plus two cylinders shaved off - and thus the 4.3. Good rugged old-tech pushrod engine and almost twice the size of a 2.4 four-banger. Here's the Tiger Provan pop-top road-test. The Astro test is already posted in another thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Man 31,000 dollars. I'll take 4. No pop tops at all anymore and no great mileage chassis either. All built on full sized trucks. Mine's the solid fiberglass top and I get 15 mpg or close to it. Very comparable to a Toyota but way more power. Doesn't feel much different driving than my Ford Explorer. Someday I'll even fix it up. Linda s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 ... I get 15 mpg or close to it. And how many if you resist the temptation to use all the power and drive at Toyota speeds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 That is at Toyota speeds. i don't know what I would get at 75. I'm so used to driving like a little old lady, oh wait, I am a little old lady. Never mind Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
85Diesel Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 Well I'll be pulling the 4.3 V6 out of my Sunrader any day now if anyone's interested in it. I think it's pretty freshly rebuilt, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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